EARLY ACTIVE MOBILIZATION AFTER RECONSTRUCTION OF RUPTURED FINGER EXTENSOR TENDONS AT THE WRIST JOINT

Abstract

Background: Subcutaneous spontaneous ruptures of the finger extensor tendons at the wrist frequently occur. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of patients with extensor tendon ruptures treated by our operative methods and postoperative early active mobilization. Methods: A total of 38 patients with 68 extensor tendon ruptures were included in this study. In the reconstruction of extensor tendon ruptures, tendon transfers (extensor indicis proprius (EIP) tendon transfer and/or interlacing end-to-side suture) and/or free tendon bridge graftings were performed. Immediately after operation in all patients, early active mobilization began by wearing a specially designed bandage or splint. Results: There was no reoccurrence of re-rupture of a tendon post surgery. A patient satisfaction survey revealed that 29 patients rated their results as “excellent” and 9 were “good.” Postoperatively, the active range of motion of the finger metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint averaged +3∘(range:- 14[Formula: see text]+20∘) in extension and 69∘(range: 60–80∘) in flexion. Conclusions: We treated finger extensor tendon ruptures by tendon transfer (EIP tendon transfer to the ruptured extensor tendon and/or interlacing end-to-side suture) and/or bridge tendon grafting. We employed early active mobilization with patients wearing a specially designed bandage or splint immediately after reconstructing surgery. There was no case with re-rupture postoperatively. Our operative techniques and postoperative physiotherapy as early active mobilization in this study led to excellent results after finger extensor tendon ruptures.